http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.stpeter.org.nz en-us Tue, 23 Jun 2026 01:58:31 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/post/166500/views-from-the-pews--theological-statement-on-disability/ ... Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/#post166500 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/post/166242/sadhu-sundar-singh/ “I have decided to follow Jesus, the Cross before me, the world behind me — no turning back.” That simple, memorable chorus has a way of looping in the mind. I first heard it sung by a Wellington Māori choir on an LP I bought in London, and it has stayed with me ever since.The hymn’s origins are as striking as its tune. The melody is often described as Indian traditional, and the words are attributed to Sadhu Sundar Singh — “Sadhu” being a title meaning ascetic or holy man. Sundar... Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/#post166242 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/post/165634/from-the-cathedral-choir-cecily-shaw/ Cecily Shaw once thought Hamilton was a big, scary city. Now she's living in London, preparing to head back for the first time in three years for one of New Zealand's most prestigious vocal competitions. The former St Peter's Cathedral choir member and Sunday School teacher shares her story, from the friendships and mentors to the 'face-palm' moments that made her time at the Cathedral unforgettable.... Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/#post165634 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/post/165847/views-from-the-pews-greetings-from-st-nicholas-of-myra/ This ancient church identifies itself as 'The Ancient Mother Church of Brighton', and stands well back from the sea close to the original centre of this vibrant Sussex city in southern England. The building itself is a metaphor for the Church as an institution; foundations laid back in the mists of time, fabric added in bits and pieces, as need arose, but known most for its square tower and Norman font (which may pre-date the current walls). The tower has a viewing platform as befits any sea-sid... Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/#post165847 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/post/165571/views-from-the-pews-christian-hope-and-the-renewal-of-all-things/ Bishop N. T. Wright often says that the Christian story isn’t really about “going to heaven when we die.” And every time I hear that, I think, “Well, that upsets a lot of the hymns I grew up with.” But he’s right. The Bible’s picture is far bigger and far more hopeful. God isn’t planning to scrap the world and start again somewhere else. God intends to renew it — to mend what’s broken and bring heaven and earth back together.The resurrection of Jesus is the heart of that pr... Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/#post165571 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/post/164394/from-the-cathedral-choir-aidan-thomas-phillips/ Aidan Thomas Phillips joined the Cathedral Choir at 14, and still remembers the joy of singing one of his first tenor solos with the choir. He is now based in the UK, rehearsing for four productions with a fifth on the way.For a young singer already on his way, the Cathedral Choir was a place that supported and encouraged him. In his own words, it remains "a place that will always be near and dear to my heart as a spiritual home."Aidan reflects on his time in the choir and the musical journey th... Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/#post164394 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/post/165148/views-from-the-pews-glimpses-of-gods-future/ Sometimes the Kingdom comes quietly.Not with trumpets or trembling skies,but in the small mercies that pass between us —a hand held, a wound forgiven,a word spoken gently when it could have been sharp.It comes in the courage that rises unbidden —when we thought we had none left.In the stubborn hope that refuses to die,even when the night feels long.It comes in the Church gathered —voices weaving together, bread broken,prayers whispered for a world that aches.In these moments, something of ... Sun, 24 May 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/#post165148 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/post/164607/views-from-the-pews-compare-and-contrast/ Don’t just do something – be there“Compare and contrast” is frequently used exam question:I was struck by what is possibly the worldly view in Bette Midler’s song, that “God is watching us – From A Distance”. As opposed to “…the very hairs of your head are all numbered” Luke 12: 7 and “In him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17.28 God is by no means remote or absent from even the smallest stresses of our everyday lives. Many of us are perpetually harried “do... Sun, 17 May 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/#post164607 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/post/164468/views-from-the-pews-reflections-on-the-great-divorce/ About fifty years ago, when I was back living in the UK and my faith was rather wobbly, two of C. S. Lewis’s books helped set me back on the Christian path. Surprised by Joy tells the story of his journey from atheism to belief; the other was The Great Divorce, a short fan-tasy novel written as a kind of reply to William Blake’s The Marriage of Heaven and Hell.At its heart, The Great Divorce is about the choices we make between self-will and surren-der to God. Lewis imagines a world in which... Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/#post164468 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/post/163183/the-man-behind-the-model/ Have you admired the LEGO model of the strengthening works for the Waikato Cathedral Church of St Peter?It was built by Darren Bryan, a teacher and LEGO enthusiast who is the Dean of Year 6 at Southwell School. We caught up with Darren to chat about the build.... Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:36:09 +1200 http://www.stpeter.org.nz/blog/#post163183